The U.S. Space Force’s X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV-7) has quietly surpassed a remarkable milestone: it has now been in orbit for over one year. Launched in December 2023, the uncrewed spaceplane continues to carry out its highly secretive mission, testing new technologies and conducting experiments far beyond its initial flight expectations. The spacecraft is currently performing aerobraking maneuvers in a highly elliptical high Earth orbit, a technique that allows it to adjust its orbit while expending minimal fuel.
The X-37B (also referred to as OTV-7 or USSF-52) was launched on December 28, 2023, marking the beginning of its latest mission. This mission has already exceeded previous records for the X-37B program, demonstrating the advanced capabilities of the spacecraft as it performs dynamic maneuvers that have never been attempted before in space.
Aerobraking Maneuver: A Groundbreaking Achievement
One of the key objectives of this mission is to demonstrate the aerobraking maneuver, a technique that uses Earth’s atmosphere to reduce the spacecraft’s speed and adjust its orbit. The X-37B performs a series of passes through the upper layers of Earth’s atmosphere, utilizing drag to slow down and change its orbital trajectory. This method allows the spacecraft to adjust its orbit with minimal fuel consumption, a critical advantage for long-duration space missions.
According to a statement from Boeing, the company that built the X-37B, “The X-37B will perform groundbreaking aerobraking maneuvers to take the dynamic spaceplane from one Earth orbit to another while conserving fuel.” This is a major leap in spaceflight technology, as the spacecraft will be able to maintain and modify its orbit without relying on traditional propulsion systems.
Key Objectives of OTV-7 Mission
The OTV-7 mission is also testing Space Domain Awareness technologies and conducting radiation effect experiments. These experiments aim to better understand how materials and systems behave in the harsh environment of space. The Space Force, supported by the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, is using the mission to test and validate several technologies that could potentially enhance national security and space capabilities.
Unlike previous X-37B missions, this flight is operating at a higher orbit than its predecessors, increasing the scope and complexity of its experiments. The spacecraft is also testing new radiation effects on various materials, providing critical data for future spacecraft designs.
Mission Status and Future Plans
As of now, there are no specific details on whether the aerobraking maneuvers are complete. However, once the maneuvering phase concludes, the X-37B will likely continue conducting its testing and experimentation until all objectives are fulfilled. At the end of the mission, the spacecraft is scheduled to de-orbit and make a safe return to Earth, likely landing at the Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility Runway — a familiar site for the X-37B, which has completed several landings there.
X-37B Flight Log: A History of Success
The X-37B has established itself as a reliable and resilient vehicle in the U.S. Space Force’s arsenal. Here is a brief overview of the X-37B’s previous missions:
- OTV-1: Launched on April 22, 2010, and landed on December 3, 2010, spending 224 days on orbit.
- OTV-2: Launched on March 5, 2011, and landed on June 16, 2012, spending 468 days on orbit.
- OTV-3: Launched on December 11, 2012, and landed on October 17, 2014, spending 674 days on orbit.
- OTV-4: Launched on May 20, 2015, and landed on May 7, 2017, spending nearly 718 days on orbit.
- OTV-5: Launched on September 7, 2017, and landed on October 27, 2019, spending nearly 780 days on orbit.
- OTV-6: Launched on May 17, 2020, and landed on November 12, 2022, spending 908 days on orbit.
- OTV-7: Launched on December 28, 2023, and remains in-flight, surpassing one year in orbit.
The Future of X-37B and Military Spaceplanes
The X-37B continues to showcase its technological prowess and has been a key player in advancing military space capabilities. With its ability to conduct experiments and tests in orbit, the spacecraft has become an essential tool for the U.S. Space Force, offering a level of flexibility and adaptability in space that is hard to match. The OTV-7 mission could pave the way for further missions that will push the boundaries of space exploration, potentially leading to the development of even more advanced military and civilian space vehicles.
As the world of space technology continues to evolve, the X-37B remains a symbol of innovation and strategic advantage for the United States, showcasing what is possible in the ever-expanding frontier of space exploration.
